Sai Hla Aung, imprisoned CEC member of the de-registered Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the party that won statewide in the 1990 elections, was awarded the Unknown Hero prize from Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday, 20 November, Burma’s National Day.
Nang Kham Awang, his wife, and 2 SNLD members of the party secretariat, Sai Tin Hlaing and Sai Shwe Kyu, attended the ceremony to receive the prize.
Three other political prisoners were also awarded the Unknown Hero (Anya-tara Thu-ye-gaung) prize:
- U Wiyathu Myitkyina prison
- U Than Zaw Thayet prison
- Ms Ma Ma Oo Bhamo prison
Sai Hla Aung, 65, is a native of Mong Nawng sub-township, Kehsi township. He was detained in Toungoo on 8 February 2005 while on his way to Rangoon to attend the SNLD CEC meeting, and was sentenced to 79 year imprisonment.
His boss Khun Tun Oo received 93 years, secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin 85 years and 4 other colleagues 79 years each.
He is serving his sentence in Kyauk Phyu, Arakan State. He is said to be suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.
He is known among Shans for his “Central Shan History,” the book he published 30 years ago.
